The NY Education Week in Review 12.09.2024

Week In Review
Written By Josh Morales

Welcome to this week’s edition of the New York Education week in review!

Here, we showcase some of the biggest education-related stories.

Here’s what’s going on:

Across the Nation | U.S. education faces growing challenges, including steep declines in math scores on the 2023 TIMSS test, widening gaps by income and race, and ongoing debates over literacy instruction, with a lawsuit targeting outdated methods like "three-cueing." A congressional hearing highlighted partisan divisions over critical race theory, while concerns about talent pipelines, teacher debt, and superintendent turnover emphasize systemic issues. The U.S. Education Department urged schools to adopt research-based cellphone policies to address youth mental health, and charter schools were encouraged to leverage autonomy to better serve students with disabilities. Meanwhile, dwindling high school exit exams and evolving state priorities reflect shifting approaches to accountability and equity.

City & State Roundup | Philadelphia is investing $100 million to overhaul its curriculum with resources from six vendors through 2027-28, while Denver reports inequitable pandemic recovery, with low-income students lagging behind peers in reading and writing. Virginia’s new school ratings reveal racial and economic disparities, and D.C. may boost oversight of charter networks after Eagle Academy’s sudden closure. Wisconsin’s overturned collective bargaining law reignites labor debates, while Chicago faces union tensions over contract proposals impacting SEIU and CTU members. NYC expands its career education program, FutureReadyNYC, to 36 schools, and introduces a controversial special education proposal for private school families. Meanwhile, South Carolina takes financial control of a rural district, Arizona closes five schools but secures $34.8 million in federal charter funding, and New York’s school funding formula report prompts calls for significant changes.

Classroom Connections | Innovative teaching methods and technological challenges dominate classroom discussions. Math specialist Phonisha Hawkins transforms abstract concepts into engaging, hands-on lessons, while a study identifies teacher absences, tardiness, and classroom disruptions as key factors costing students significant instructional time. Meanwhile, U.S. 8th graders’ digital literacy skills have declined, emphasizing the need for explicit computer science education to match global standards. AI’s potential in education gains attention, with applications in special education, tutoring, and personalized learning showing promise, though debates persist over ethical and practical implementation in classrooms. These trends highlight the urgency of addressing disparities in instructional time, technology access, and teaching resources.

What did we miss? Hit us up in the comments below:

 

NATIONAL NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

U.S. math scores drop on major international test By Erica Meltzer | Chalkbeat ||  The U.S. saw steep declines in math scores for fourth and eighth graders on the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), with American students falling behind countries they once outperformed. The lowest-performing students were disproportionately affected, echoing patterns from the NAEP and other assessments showing growing gaps by income and race. While many countries also faced pandemic-related setbacks, some in Eastern Europe and the Middle East improved, highlighting disparities in recovery. Experts emphasize the urgency of addressing widening performance gaps, absenteeism, and socioeconomic inequities to prevent further declines in foundational math and science skills.

In related coverage:



Literacy materials dropped by many schools face new pressure from struggling readers' parents By Carolyn Thompson | Associated Press ||  A lawsuit filed by Massachusetts families highlights growing opposition to outdated reading instruction methods, such as the "three-cueing" strategy, which focuses on context and pictures rather than phonics-based word decoding. This approach, associated with "balanced literacy," has faced criticism for failing struggling readers. Plaintiffs accuse literacy advocates, including Lucy Calkins, of promoting ineffective methods, allegedly harming students. The suit seeks a free, evidence-based literacy curriculum. Despite a nationwide pivot to the science of reading, many classrooms continue using three-cueing practices, sparking debate about its impact on students' learning outcomes.

In related coverage:

Is CRT taught in K-12 schools? Congressional hearing highlights divide By Brendan Clarey | The Center Square ||  A congressional hearing underscored partisan divisions over whether critical race theory (CRT) is taught in K-12 schools. Republicans, led by Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL), argue that CRT influences classroom instruction under the guise of promoting racial equity, citing examples like "privilege walks." Democrats, including Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT), contend that CRT is a legal theory taught only in law schools and not in K-12 education, emphasizing local control over curricula. Ian Rowe of the American Enterprise Institute stated that while CRT isn't explicitly taught, its principles appear in school practices addressing systemic racism. The hearing reflects broader national debates on education, race, and how history is taught in schools.



In other National News:




  • To find people with the right skills, employers may need to start with K-12 By Kathryn Moody | K-12 Dive ||  Nearly 60% of employers surveyed said they aren’t confident their talent pipelines will meet their needs over the next decade, a recent survey found.

  • Here is the No. 1 reason for superintendent turnover By Matt Zalaznick | District Administration ||  Retirement is the leading reason for superintendent turnover across districts, accounting for nearly half of departures in small (47%), medium (53.8%), and large districts (47.3%), according to Burbio. Large districts saw the highest rate of resignation or termination (37.7%), while small districts were most likely to see leaders transition to new educational roles. Most open positions this year were filled by external candidates.

  • Student Loan Debt Is an Overlooked Crisis in Teacher Education By Jeff Strohl, Catherine Morris, & Artem Gulish | Education Week ||  The median teacher debt of $72,000, largely from graduate education, highlights the need for upfront federal grants tied to teaching commitments to address financial burdens and worsening educator shortages.

  • U.S. Education Department Urges Cellphone Policies in Schools By Shauneen Miranda | Stateline ||  USDOE has called on schools and districts to establish clear, research-informed policies on student cellphone use. While not prescribing specific rules, the department emphasized balancing the benefits of connectivity in emergencies with growing concerns over social media's impact on youth mental health.

  • High school exit exams dwindle to about half a dozen states By Elaine S. Povich | Stateline ||  The number of states requiring high school exit exams has dwindled to seven. Critics argue these standardized tests disproportionately harm English learners and students with learning disabilities, while supporters contend they ensure basic skills for graduates. 

  • Opinion |  Trump’s Path to Target Gender Ideology in Schools By Max Eden | Wall Street Journal ||  A federal court ruling in Pennsylvania may empower Donald Trump to curb gender ideology in schools by affirming that promoting such teachings without parental consent violates constitutional rights to religious freedom and parental authority.

  • Republicans Preview Their Education Priorities in a Second Trump Term  By Brooke Schultz | Education Week ||  During a House subcommittee hearing, Republicans outlined education priorities for a second Trump term, emphasizing civics education, restricting lessons on race and gender, and expanding school choice. Both parties agreed on the importance of civics but diverged on approaches, with Democrats advocating for more teacher professional development funding. 

  • Charter schools can leverage autonomy to serve students with disabilities By Briana Mendez-Padilla | K-12 Dive ||  A Center for Learner Equity study identifies several areas of focus where charters can create systemic change in teaching and learning.

  • School Closures Are Way Down, but Delaying These Hard Choices Makes Things Worse  By Chad Aldeman | The74 ||  Aldeman: Many districts closed their eyes to financial reality. Students are better off if leaders seek proactive solutions sooner rather than later.




City & State Roundup:

  • Here’s how Philadelphia is spending $100 million on its curriculum overhaul By Carly Sitrin | Chalkbeat ||  Some 6 vendors will provide resources for students in English, math, and science through the 2027-28 school year.

  • Analysis of new Va. school ratings shows racial, economic disparities By Karina Elwood | Washington Post ||  Projections that estimate how Virginia schools might fare under the state’s new accountability model show disparities in school performance, a Post analysis finds.

  • After D.C. school’s collapse, council may boost oversight of charters By LAuren Lumpkin |  Washington Post ||  The D.C. Council is set to consider a measure that would mandate training for officials who run the city’s more than five dozen charter school networks, the latest fallout from the abrupt closure of Eagle Academy just days before classes were to start.

  • What to know about Wisconsin's collective bargaining law for public workers By Scott Bauer | Associated Press ||  A Wisconsin judge overturned Act 10, the 2011 law limiting collective bargaining for most public-sector workers, reigniting a contentious labor rights debate.

  • Denver students experiencing ‘inequitable recovery’ from pandemic test score declines, report says By Melanie Asmar | Chalkbeat ||  Denver students from middle- and higher-income families have more than caught up on reading and writing. Students from low-income families have not.

  • Unions representing Chicago’s principals and school staff push back on CTU’s contract proposals By Mila Koumpilova ,Samantha SmylieandReema Amin | Chalkbeat ||  The unions have raised concerns that some CTU proposals would shave away power from their members.

  • SEIU threatens lawsuit over CTU contract negotiations with CPS By Nell Salzman | Chicago Tribune ||  Service Employees International Union 73, the union that represents special education classroom assistants in Chicago Public Schools, is threatening to sue the district over a Chicago Teachers Union proposal that it says would effectively take jobs from SEIU and give them to CTU.

  • Long-awaited report on updating NY school funding formula calls for ‘significant change’ By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat ||  A more than 300-page report on how to revise the state’s school funding formula prompted mixed initial reactions from advocates and lawmakers.

  • Report on Updating New York School Funding Formula Calls for ‘Significant Change’ By Julian Shen-Berro |  Chalkbeat ||  A more than 300-page report on how to revise the state’s school funding formula prompted mixed initial reactions from advocates and lawmakers.

  • NYC offers to restart special education services for private school families — with a big catch By Michael Elsen-RooneyandAlex Zimmerman | Chalkbeat ||  NYC is trying to convince thousands of private school families to waive their legal rights. Here’s what legal advocates say they should consider before signing.

  • NYC expands career education program, offering students experience in HVAC industry and more By Julian Shen-Berro | Chalkbeat ||  FutureReadyNYC, which helps schools launch career tracks in education, technology, business, and health care, is expanding to 36 new schools, Mayor Eric Adams announced Monday.

  • Indianapolis Public Schools middle school launch spurs some families to leave. Others are pleased.  By Amelia Pak-Harvey | Chalkbeat ||  The district’s new middle school model had a rough start for some students at schools like Broad Ripple Middle School. But other families are celebrating the new classes and activities.

  • Report: More money for schools doesn't always lead to better outcomes By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square ||  Georgia schools spent twice the amount allocated to them from the Quality Basic Education fund, but tracking individual programs is not possible, according to a report from the state auditor's office.

  • South Carolina Takes Control of Rural School District’s Finances By Skylar Laird | South Carolina Daily Gazette ||  Jasper County School District has not turned in an audit on time in two years.

  • Arizona school district votes to close five locations By Madeline Armstrong | The Center Square ||  The governing school board members voted 4-1 to close these schools despite some pushback from parents.

  • Arizona wins charter school federal grant funding By Cameron Arcand | The Center Square ||  The state received a $34.8 million cut of the over $143 million awarded through the Expanding Opportunities Through Quality Charter Schools Program.  Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said the funds will go toward creating more charter schools in areas where students are “educationally disadvantaged.”





CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS

How This Curriculum Specialist Brings Math to Life for Students By Emily Tate Sullivan | EdSurge ||  Phonisha Hawkins uses innovative, student-centered methods to make math engaging and accessible by emphasizing conceptual understanding over procedural shortcuts. She incorporates real-world tools, like using chocolate chip cookies to model fraction division, transforming abstract concepts into hands-on activities that reduce math anxiety and improve comprehension. Hawkins also focuses on the "why" behind math operations, such as explaining the reasoning behind "keep, change, flip" for dividing fractions, to deepen students' reasoning and application skills. By tailoring lessons to diverse learning styles and addressing teachers' math anxiety through professional development, she ensures inclusive, effective instruction that empowers both educators and students.

The 3 Reasons Why Students Lose the Most Instructional Time By Caitlynn Peetz | Education Week ||  A new study highlights that minor classroom interruptions, student tardiness, and teacher absences can collectively cost students hundreds of hours of learning annually, compounding disparities in instructional time across states. While some states mandate up to 1,300 hours of classroom time annually, others require fewer than 1,150, amounting to a 1.5-year instructional gap over a K-12 career. Researchers recommend reducing disruptions, improving teacher attendance, and optimizing class schedules to maximize the quality of instructional time.

U.S. Students’ Computer Literacy Performance Drops By Lauraine Langreo | Education Week ||  U.S. 8th graders’ digital literacy skills dropped significantly between 2018 and 2023 on the International Computer and Information Literacy Study, with scores in computational thinking falling below the global average. Experts emphasize the need for explicit teaching of digital and media literacy, which remains under-prioritized in many schools despite growing reliance on technology. Comparisons with higher-scoring nations like South Korea highlight the importance of clear mandates and resources for computer science education.


In other Classroom Connections:










Josh Morales
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